Last Updated on April 24, 2022 by Nathaniel Tower
If you have a friend or family member who is a writer, then you’ve probably searched for gift ideas for writers at some point. And if you have, you’ve probably been pretty overwhelmed with the results.
Fortunately (or unfortunately, if you’re indecisive), there are TONS of gifts out there for writers. While many of them are just silly gag gifts, there are also lots of great gift ideas for that writer friend of yours.
Before you select a gift for the writer in your life, you need to know a few things about them:
- Do they prefer to write at home or on the go (coffee shop, park, etc.)?
- Do they type everything on their computer/phone, or do they prefer to handwrite everything in a fancy journal?
- Are they a secret or shy writer, or do they want the whole world to know they write?
- Is writing a full-time pursuit or simply a hobby or side passion?
If you don’t know any of the above, then buying a gift for a writer might be a bit of a shot in the dark. In that case, it’s best to go with something small and inexpensive that shows you know they’re a writer and that you care about them. You don’t want to go all-in on a standing desk and expensive laptop if they prefer to write in a journal in the park.
Gifts for writers for any occasion
Regardless of the time of year, you can celebrate your writer with a nice gift. Here are some of the best times to consider a gift for the writer in your life:
- Mother’s Day
- Father’s Day
- Birthdays
- Christmas
- Anniversaries
- Best Friend’s Day
You can also surprise your writer with a “just because” gift. If you know they are struggling with their writing, or if they just had some big success, give them a nice writing gift to show you care and support them.
These are twelve gift ideas for writers you should consider whether you’re shopping for birthdays, holidays, milestones, or any other occasion.
Gift ideas for at-home writers
Standing desk
I recently converted to a standing desk, and now I never want to sit to write again. Standing gives me more energy and gets the ideas flowing to my brain better.
Distraction-free writing tool
There are a billion distractions out there that prevent writers from getting their work done. Help free the words for the writer in your life! This company makes a good one.
Gift ideas for on-the-go writers
Nice journal
If your writer is always on the go, make sure you get a quality journal that isn’t going to rip, lose pages, or fall apart.
Small laptop
Have a writer who travels and prefers to type? A nice small laptop is the best option. Writers don’t want to lug big laptops around, and since they are just using it to write, you don’t need a lot of bells and whistles.
Engraved pens
Every writer needs a pen with his or her name on it.
Gift ideas for any writer
Subscription to Duotrope
If your writer is interested in being published, this resource is a must for finding the right venues for publication. Give a gift subscription to Duotrope today.
Writer’s Toolbox
This is a fun set of games and activities to get the writerly juices flowing.
A good book on writing
There are a lot of good books on writing, but this is one every writer must own and reference often.
Writing prompt recommendations
Every writer needs writing prompts.
Gag gifts for writers
Fuck off mug
Everyone drinks something, and every writer loves swearing. This is the perfect gift.
Hemingway pencil holder
Finding pens or pencils is always frustrating, but this is a stylish way of keeping them in reach all the time.
Quiet, I’m writing door hanger
Every writer wants quiet, especially those writers with small kids at home. Get them this to keep the little ones away.
Final thoughts on gifts for writers
If nothing above looks good for the writer in your life, then you might not really know a writer. Of course, you could always just give an Amazon gift card. After all, writers are often struggling to make ends meet, but they love to buy things!
Also, keep in mind that if you give a bad gift to a writer – or if you don’t give a gift at all – then you might just end up a victim in their next novel.
Have additional gift ideas for writers? Share your recommendations in the comments.
